At The Lakes Family Dental, we see a variety of urgent dental issues, including knocked-out teeth, cracked restorations, facial swelling, and severe pain. But not all emergencies look dramatic. Even something that starts off as a dull ache or mild inflammation can signal a deeper issue. If something feels off or is affecting your daily life, our team encourages you to give us a call so we can help you determine the next step.

Remember, it's always better to have peace of mind than to wait and risk the issue worsening. What feels minor today could become a more painful or costly problem tomorrow. Our experienced team is trained to help you recognize warning signs early and take action quickly.

While we understand the need for immediate relief, home remedies are only a temporary solution. Rinsing with warm salt water, using a cold compress, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers may help you feel better, but they won’t solve the root of the problem. We offer same-day appointments when possible and walk you through what to do in the meantime.

There are also dental emergency kits available at local pharmacies with items such as dental wax, temporary filling material, or gauze. These can help prevent further irritation until you arrive at our office, but they are only stopgaps. Let our team take a look before the issue progresses. We don’t recommend delaying treatment, especially when it comes to signs of infection or trauma.

We’re happy to guide you. In most non-life-threatening cases involving teeth, gums, or jaw discomfort, our dental team is best equipped to help. However, if you’re experiencing uncontrollable bleeding, facial trauma, or trouble breathing, it’s safest to head to the nearest emergency room.

That said, many dental issues, even those that feel alarming, are best handled by a dental professional who understands oral structures. If you're unsure, don’t hesitate to call. We'll help assess the situation and tell you where to go next. We believe no one should feel alone when dealing with dental pain, and our team is just a phone call away.

If you chip a tooth, rinse your mouth with water and avoid chewing on that side. If possible, save the broken piece and bring it with you. For a fully knocked-out tooth, try placing it in milk or a tooth preservation solution. Then, call us immediately. The sooner we see you at The Lakes Family Dental, the better the chances of a positive outcome.

Teeth that are fully knocked out have the highest chance of being saved if re-implanted within the first hour. Time matters, so don’t wait. We’ll do everything we can to preserve your natural tooth and prevent further complications.

Tooth pain that’s sharp, throbbing, or persistent, especially if it interferes with sleep, eating, or daily life, shouldn’t be ignored. If the discomfort is accompanied by swelling, a bad taste, or a fever, those can also be signs of infection. At our Edinburg office, we’ll assess your symptoms, offer relief, and get you back on track quickly and safely.

Keep in mind that not all emergencies come with visible symptoms. If something feels “off,” your instincts are probably right, and you should give our team a call. We’ve seen patients with seemingly minor symptoms that turned out to be advanced decay or infection. It’s always worth checking.

Minor problems often escalate into bigger issues if left unaddressed. A tiny chip or occasional discomfort may not feel urgent, but over time, these issues can develop into decay, infection, or even tooth loss. At The Lakes Family Dental, we encourage early intervention. Even if it turns out to be something simple, it’s better to know than to risk complications.

A cracked filling, for example, may seem harmless but can expose the inner parts of the tooth to bacteria. Over time, this can lead to pain, infection, or the need for a root canal. Our goal is to help you avoid those more intensive treatments whenever possible.

Being proactive about your oral health not only saves money and discomfort down the line, but it also ensures you enjoy a healthier, more confident smile every day.

We do our best to accommodate emergencies promptly and often have room for same-day visits. That said, calling ahead helps us prepare for your arrival and reduce your wait time. Whether you're an existing patient or visiting us for the first time, The Lakes Family Dental is here to help with quick, respectful care when you need it most.

We understand that emergencies are stressful, so we make every effort to fit you in as soon as possible, even on short notice. Our team will walk you through the process, let you know what to bring, and ensure you’re seen without unnecessary delays.

We understand that emergencies often come without warning, and are stressful enough without adding on financial worries. That’s why The Lakes Family Dental offers flexible solutions, including treatment estimates, transparent pricing, and guidance on available payment plans. If you’re unsure about costs, we’re happy to talk through your options so you can get the care you need without unnecessary stress.

Our team is committed to making dental care accessible. We’ll walk you through any available solutions, answer your questions honestly, and help you make an informed decision with no surprises and no pressure.

Our ultimate goal is to ensure that no patient puts off necessary care due to concerns about pricing. If you need urgent dental help, we’re here to listen and work with you to find a path forward.